CO537-3705 — Page 258

P.S.

- I suggested to Mr. Scarlett that in view of the reference, in the Chinese Minister's representations, to the efforts made by the Chinese Government to secure a peaceful solution, the Chinese Ambassador might well be asked

exactly what those efforts have been and might

է

be reminded that the magistrate of the Po-On district, which is in Kwangtung Province outside the Colony of Hong Kong, went to the Kowloon Walled City accompanied by officials and committed some extremely provocative acts, which no doubt played their part in the development of the present situation. Mr. Scarlett thought it better not to include the point in the brief, but he promised to draw attention to it in his covering minute. He will also suggest in his ́ minute that if the Chinese Ambassador should raise the complicated question of jurisdiction within the Walled City, Sir Orme Sargent should refuse to be drawn, and also that Sir Orme Sargent might remind the Chinese Ambassador of the action which the Hong Kong Government have taken to meet the Chinese Government over the question of smuggling.